Tristate drivers who aren't hunting may still encounter deer on the road. According to the Ohio Department of Insurance, more than half of all deer-vehicle accidents happen between 5 p.m. and midnight. Another 20 percent take place in the early morning hours. And unless you have comprehensive insurance, you'll be responsible for repair costs to your car.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources offers these precautions:

• Drive with extreme caution, at or below the posted speed limit, in areas with deer crossing signs.

• Deer rarely travel alone. If you see one deer, chances are others will follow. Slow down and be alert.

• Don't swerve your vehicle to avoid striking a deer. If a collision seems probable, hit it while maintaining full control of your vehicle. The alternative could be much worse.

• Report any deer vehicle collisions to a local law enforcement agency, State Highway Patrol or a state wildlife officer within 24 hours.

• Under laws in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, the driver of a vehicle that hits and kills a deer may keep it. To do so, first get a deer possession receipt from law enforcement (at the time an accident report is filed) or state wildlife officers, or from a Division of Wildlife district office.

Shauna Scott Rhone